FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the St James Small Business Loans
Let me know what you think of the St James Small Business Loans
St James unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
What makes what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
It is imaginable to apply for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or on the phone. You’ll receive a same day response and the funds could be in your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans refer to an interest rate per annum along with other charges and fees. Our business loan is an upfront priced loan and you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount to be paid, including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into either weekly or daily repayment figure.
What can the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for almost any company use, including managing cash flows, business renovations, marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, as general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
Concerning Larger St James Business Loans
What is the Larger St James Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support business expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 over a fixed term that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly, depending on you cashflow.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan in this amount the business needs to be operating for at least three years and have an annual turnover of $700K. It is necessary to be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) over 18 years as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able demonstrate at least 12 months of trading.
What can I use the funding for?
A Business Loan of a larger size can be used for almost all company reason, such as business improvements, purchasing equipment or inventory, as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is needed for accessing funds over $150,000. It is usually as a result of an charge over assets, and may include registration in the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a promise to pay off a credit line that is general in nature, rather than stating security over a particular asset. The person signing the ensure is personally responsible if the company borrower is unable to pay back the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register run by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR permits prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted in accordance with the date on which a security interest that is registered.
A caveat is a legal document that is filed to offer notice of a legal claim on a property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
When you’re applying for a Larger Business Loan of more than $250,000 we may be able to provide an initial pre-approval in order to ease the process. It is possible to make this decision without a credit check and within six hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is made based on an initial assessment that includes the answer to a series of financial well-being checks. It is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of funds. Unconditional approval is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer that you are offered could be on different conditions.
Application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You are eligible to apply for an business loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of business (for a unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Complete the online form within a couple minutes, and a dedicated business loan specialist will be in touch to guide you.
To apply for up $100,000, you’ll need identification details (valid Driver’s Licence), an active NZBN/IRD, and at least 6 months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also need:
$100K-$250K: Application requirements, including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if loan above $150K).
$250K-$500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months bank statement, an IRD statement as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, plus interim financials from the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summaries.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we can often offer an answer within an hour if you make your application during standard company hours and allow us to utilise the bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to upload copies of your banking statements , we will be able to provide an answer within the span of one company day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we might be likely to provide you with a conditional pre-approval within about 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this may be quicker depending on the circumstances of each application. Some agreements have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The quickest method can be ensure you apply during normal business hours, and let us use the advanced bank verification system to check your bank’s information online. If you choose to send us documents from your account statements , it can take a bit longer.
How quickly will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer in just one hour if you submit your request at normal business timings and you allow us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements we can provide an answer in as little as an business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we could be capable of provide you with conditional pre-approval within six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take about 2-3 days for final approval. However, it could be faster based on the specifics of each application. Some agreements have been approved within the space of 24 hours.
The most effective method can be ensure you apply during normal business hours, and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you upload duplicates of your banking statements, it takes a bit longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We provide loans that range from $5,000 to $500,000. If you apply for a specific amount we take into consideration a range of elements in order to assess what is the well-being for your business and the extent of the repayments your business can support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the specific circumstances for your company.
When you submit an application for a set amount, we take into consideration a variety of elements to assess your health that is your company and the amount of payments your business can afford. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the specific circumstances of your business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for an company loan?
When you apply for the business financing, we will assess the risk assessment of your company and offer an individualised offer including the loan amount, the terms and the interest rates. A company loan is an upfront priced loan which means you be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any interest rates, fees or charges.
What is the basis for the rate I am charged?
Business loan interest rates depend on a variety of factors including the amount of money borrowed, the business assets the money are used to purchase as well as the field the company operates in, how long the company has been operating as well as whether the company has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, and general well-being or financial standing of the company.
What are the cost?
There are no hidden fees for our company loans, and you’ll know precisely what you need to pay, and when, from the first day. There’s no compounding and there are no additional charges (as as you make your payments on time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You can apply for a loan with absolutely no upfront cost and no any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with the setting up and management of the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5% of the amount of the loan.
Can I repay the loan early?
You may choose to pay back the entire amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you are deciding to do this please call our helpful company credit specialists. They’ll provide you with details on repayment along with an early payout estimate. It will be calculated using the sum of the principal amount remaining and accrued interest to the date of early payout and 1.5 percent of the principal balance as well as any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
In order to help you avoid missing payment dates and to align your cash flow schedule, we provide repayments either weekly or daily. These are automatically deducted from your business account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Making sure that your information is secure, and being clear about the ways we gather data, process, exchange and secure your information, is crucial and is a crucial part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption standards to secure your personal, sensitive financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to the security of our clients as well as their privacy. We make use of an advanced banking verification system to instantly confirm your bank account information online, allowing us to offer a fast response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing occurs when the company owner utilises an asset they own to get the funding. The asset can be either a personal asset like the family home, or it could be a business property like a truck as well as a piece of machine.
The majority of the lenders even the major banks, prefer to secure loans against an asset. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan, then your asset may be sold by the lender. In essence it is the process of securing additional financing taking advantage of the value of what you already own.
Are I need security for an business loan?
Up to $150K in loans the requirement for asset security is not required before you are able to access the money but we do require an individual guarantee. So long as you comply with the terms of your loan (as specified in the loan contract) Asset security is not required. If you take out loans in excess of $150K generally there is an individual ensure and security in the form of an asset charge.